New evidence shows that walnuts optimize the gut microbiome to suppress colon cancer cell growth
Sunday, February 10, 2019 by: Zoey
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(Natural News) Walnuts (Juglans regia) are popular among vegans because these nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, walnuts are full of nutrients that can help boost brain and cardiovascular health. But according to a study, walnuts can also help optimize the gut microbiome “to suppress colon cancer cell growth.”
To date,
colon cancer is the third most common type of the disease around the globe. The
study, which was published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, involved
a collaboration between researchers from the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCONN) and Jackson Laboratory for
Genomic Medicine.
Can
walnuts prevent colon cancer?
For the
study, the researchers set out to determine the cancer-preventive effects of walnut consumption in mice.
The
researchers observed two groups
of mice that were fed two different diets. The first group of mice (the control group) received a standard lab
mouse chow and the second group was given a chow that mimicked the nutritional
profile of the typical American diet. Subsets of both groups of mice were given
walnuts.
The
findings showed that the mice that were fed the American diet fortified with
seven to 10.5 percent walnuts had fewer incidents of colon cancer. The
researchers noted that the reduction in colon cancer rates was
particularly pronounced in male mice, which had at least 2.3 times fewer tumors
than the female subjects.
Take note
that the human equivalent to the average amount of walnuts given to the mice in
the study is an ounce per day, or 14 half-walnut pieces. The study offers very
promising results concerning the effects of walnuts against tumor growth.
The
nutrient profile of walnuts
As the
days go by, researchers uncover more proof that walnuts can help
fight cancer. Experts posit that walnuts function as a probiotic that can
help optimize the gut microbiome. In turn, this helps to promote a healthy
colon while also suppressing both cancer cell and tumor growth. (Related: Walnuts inhibit cancer
development, slow its growth, and kill cancer cells.)
Walnuts
are unique because they are the only with plant-based omega-3s. Walnut
phytonutrients and lipid extracts possess multiple healing components that
can help target and kill cancer cells. These nuts are also rich in vitamin E, which has been associated with cancer prevention.
·
Calcium
·
Copper
·
Fiber
·
Iron
·
Manganese
·
Protein
·
Vitamin
B6
Walnuts
also have other unique cancer-inhibiting compounds such as the flavonol
morin 4, the quinone juglone, and the tannin tellimagrandin.
Aside
from their cancer-fighting properties, walnuts can also help prevent various
illnesses associated with poor lifestyle and diet choices. The regular
consumption of walnuts may help lower your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and
neurological disorders. Research also suggests that walnuts can help boost
bone health.
Based on
the results of this study, it is safe to assume that eating walnuts can help
lower your risk of developing colon cancer.
You can
add more walnuts to your diet by:
·
Adding
them to salads.
·
Adding walnuts to plain
yogurt or oatmeal with fruits.
·
Making a pesto sauce with
walnuts.
·
Making homemade granola
with a mixture of dried fruits, nuts, and seeds.
·
Making
walnut bread.
To keep things
simple, you can also eat on a handful of walnuts for a savory snack that will
help you feel full. Just make sure you eat only one ounce of walnuts a day
since consuming more than that may put too much stress on your digestion.
Avoid
walnuts if you are allergic to nuts, and supervise children when giving them
walnuts because they may choke on larger pieces.
To lower
your colon cancer risk, eat walnuts regularly, exercise every day, follow a healthy diet,
and make positive lifestyle changes.
Sources include:
